The N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles began issuing driver’s licenses this week to undocumented immigrants who qualify for delayed deportation.

“When everyone has access to driver’s licenses, the roads are safer,” said Jeff Shaw of the N.C. Justice Center.

It’s more expensive to have people driving without a license — and probably without insurance — than it is to provide licenses that come with an insurance requirement to protect against damage from a wreck, according to Shaw.

“People are going to drive. People need access to cars to get jobs, to take care of their families, to get to schools,” he said. “It’s unrealistic to think that people aren’t going to drive.”

The DMV reported 683 people statewide had received driver’s licenses, permits or identification cards as of Wednesday.

Cleveland County issued one driver’s license.

Reach Amanda Memrick at 704-869-1839 or follow @AmandaMemrick on Twitter.

More about the licenses and program

* Available to immigrants approved for the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

* All applicants are younger than 30, came to the U.S. when they were 16 or younger and have been here at least five years.

* They can’t have committed any felonies and must be in school, have graduated from high school or been honorably discharged from the military.

* Those who qualify for delayed deportation are often referred to as DREAMers because they also meet the qualifications of the DREAM Act, proposed legislation that would provide permanent residency for undocumented youth.

* They must provide the same documents required by state law for anyone else seeking a license. Recipients of the special license have to provide two forms that prove age and identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security and proof of liability insurance.

* They also have to provide proof of legal presence issued by the U.S. government under childhood arrivals program. The deferral allows a two-year, renewable reprieve from deportation.

* The licenses display the words “Legal Presence No Lawful Status” and “Limited Term.” Limited term means the license is valid only as long as an immigrant is granted legal presence in the U.S.